Virginia Democrats are fast-tracking a series of pro-abortion bills that would overturn basically all of the pro-life laws in the state.
On Wednesday, the state Senate passed legislation to repeal laws that protect both women and unborn babies, WTVR News reports. The state House approved a similar pro-abortion bill barely 24 hours earlier.
Sponsored by state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, Senate Bill 733 would repeal a 24-hour waiting period, informed consent counseling requirements and a measure ensuring that a woman has the chance to see the ultrasound of her unborn child prior to her abortion.
Additionally, it would end the requirement that doctors do abortions, and allow less trained medical workers to abort unborn babies. It also would repeal abortion clinic regulations that ensure they meet basic health and safety requirements.
The vote was 20-20 with Democrat Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax breaking the tie, according to the report. One Democrat, state Sen. Joe Morrissey, joined Republicans in opposing the pro-abortion bill, the AP reports.
Democrat Gov. Ralph Northam supports the legislation, and it is expected to pass the Democrat-controlled legislature. A year ago, Northam caused international outrage when he defended infanticide for infants who survive abortions.
Another bill being considered in Virginia would end the state parental consent requirement for underage girls seeking abortions.
Follow LifeNews.com on Instagram for pro-life pictures and videos.
Abortion activists say they want Virginia to become a “safe haven” for abortions. But the abortion regulations that they are working to repeal protect women as well as unborn babies.
Parental consent laws, for example, help protect young girls from being pressured or forced into abortion by an abuser, often to hide the abuse from the girl’s parents. They also ensure parents are involved in the important, life-altering decision – one that a young, impressionable girl may later regret.
Informed consent requirements make sure women are making an informed choice, rather than just being sold an abortion. These laws allow women to see their unborn babies on an ultrasound screen and receive information about the support that is available if they choose life for their child.
Ending the doctors-only requirement for abortions also could put women’s lives at greater risk. One study found that abortions done by non-physicians were twice as likely to have complications as those done by licensed physicians.
This is not the first time Virginia Democrats have dismantled life-saving laws.
Several years ago, under Democrat Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Virginia women’s health and safety also was jeopardized when Virginia State Board of Health weakened state abortion facility regulations.
The regulations have helped to protect women and babies in Virginia from shoddy abortion practices, including those of notorious abortionist Steven Brigham. The late-term abortionist lost his license to practice in five states, faced criminal charges for allegedly killing late-term unborn babies, employed a sex offender and allegedly injured several women. In 2016, Virginia authorities shut down Brigham’s Fairfax, Virginia abortion facility after discovering filthy, dangerous conditions during an inspection.
Last year, Virginia saw an extreme pro-abortion bill in its state legislature that would have allowed abortions up to the point of labor, even if there are no physical health problems with the mother or baby. Pro-life Republican lawmakers blocked the bill, sponsored by state Del. Kathy Tran, but some fear Tran’s bill also could return in the new legislative session.
Action: Contact Virginia state lawmakers and tell them to vote no.
